(D4, ME) Returning for Tea

[Shosuro Otoko]

Otoko considered the withdrawls from the competition over the steam from her cup of tea. Fewer players were certainly easier to control, but no actor preferred a smaller audience to a larger one. Still, certain things would always be beyond her control. The talks with Utemaro were going well, it looked like the Scorpion were going to become a major player in the town's tea houses.....but the first two days of competition had not seen a Scorpion named as judge's pick. There was a value in being underestimated....but not in being undervalued.

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

For once, Hatsuki was the first to arrive, bowing to Otoko. "Greetings this evening, Shosuro-sama. It's a pleasure to see you again."

She found her seat a moment later.

[Bayushi Choudai]

Choudai happened along not long thereafter... and why not?

His favorite person in existence, his prized local investment, and the artist trying to secure his Clan the honor of hosting the next Sapphire Tournament were all in the same place at the same time.

And the food was good!

"Shosuro Otoko-san, Shosuro Hatsuki-san, good evening."

He bowed to each in turn.

With much of his day as-yet unresolved, his player didn't quite dare commit more to a description of his actions or demeanor just yet.

[Doji Nadeshiko]

It wouldn't be a party without Nadeshiko... probably. Not really. But she does follow Choudai in, her usual smile plastered on her face. Otoko gets a grateful bow before the other two receive their own greetings -- "Good evening to you all, Otoko-san, Hatsuki-san, Choudai-san." The Crane then moves to sit with Hatsuki.

[Shosuro Otoko]

Otoko bowed to each as they entered.

"I hope my package was some help for you Doji-san." she offered. "We enjoy your company far too much for you to be kept from us."

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

Yoshiaki was never the center of attention at these meetings but he was always present. Arriving just a bit behind Nadeshiko "good evening everyone." He says instead of addressing each samurai individually feeling the group had become just too large for that.

"I hope everyone has fared well today." He said sitting somewhere near Otoko.

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Well, I think I may have scandalized our hosts into the next seven generations, but it was worth it, so..."

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

"Less than ideal, but thank you for the well wishes, Togashi-san," she sighed softly.

[Shosuro Otoko]

"Well, I think I may have scandalized our hosts into the next seven generations, but it was worth it, so..."

Otoko nods a bit.

"Truth be told, I am more concerned about the damage done to Doji-san's reputation" she offers with a glance at Nadeshiko. "After all, even if our hosts are furious at Bayushi-san, the extent of the damage would be his banishment from the tournament and the lands of the Crane....which I believe is not a punishment that will unduly trouble Bayushi-san."

She unfolded her fan in thought.

"However, Doji-san will remain in these lands after the tournament concludes. One might wonder if her troubles might not be mounting more with the current situation she already finds herself in with the paintings."

She fanned herself a bit.

"Not that we have any responsibility for Doji-san. She can defend her own honor and fight her own battles. Still, I would hate for Bayushi-san and his imminent household to overly trouble such a charming artist." she offered as if simply musing on the state of affairs.

The look she gave Choudai from behind her mask was much more direct.

I dont care if you're an idiot. If you mess things up for Nadeshiko, you're going to take responsibility.

[Bayushi Choudai]

"It is interesting that you mention the paintings, Shosuro-san. Painted by a Crane, featuring a Crane... I confess, the motive seems elusive to me..."

His own look was equally easy to decipher.

Matters beyond my control are beyond my control. Everything else is, indeed, my problem.

[Doji Nadeshiko]

((...darnit, I forgot to subscribe!))

Otoko, of course, got a thank you -- "I find myself cherishing it greatly, Otoko-san, and am beyond happy to be well enough to join you all once again --" before quieting.

As the topic takes a turn to her blunders, Nadeshiko just sits, blushing, unsure of what to say; she's dug her own grave, as it were. Since leaving the Academy interest in her had waned significantly, but now there's so many eyes on her, so much... expectation. A spotlight shined on all her many, many flaws. This is why she's never got anywhere in her life.

At least she gets to write poetry before the curtain falls. That's something. The greater concern now is Choudai losing his spot in the tournament. Perhaps she could atone to their hosts? It was entirely her idea, after all...

But then the subject of those paintings comes up and the Crane perks up. "Ah, yes! Kakita-san has been elusive, as well, so there's been no chance to learn more."

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

Hatsuki sips her tea as she watches the back and forth. I wonder why she's so protective over Nadeshiko?

"Exceptionally elusive, it's honestly a bit impressive," Hatsuki observes. "That said, she has to deliver those... paintings... some time. So we could see if that holds true tomorrow." She seemed almost hesitant to ascribe such a noble word as painting to the works.

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

"The artist does seem to have some personal Grudge or obsession with Bayushi-san and Doji-san. I must admit a curiosity to the motivation there. She does indeed show up early and set up before spiriting away before even all the performers are there." Yoshiaki says sipping his tea

"Perhaps I could reach out to her? Other than these meetings here I am not obviously connected to any of the subjects of her works. She may be more open to meeting with me." He offered.

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Since she and I are betrothed, sight unseen, I'm not too puzzled about her motives concerning me."

He cocked a glance at the Dragon.

"But Togashi-san is, of course, free to find out what he can."

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

He nodded "sight unseen so simple displeasure at being married off then?" disappointing.

"If I find anything of importance I'll be sure to let you know."

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

"Well... sight unseen for one of you anyway," she noted. "She seems to know your appearance."

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Well... sight unseen for one of you anyway," she noted. "She seems to know your appearance."

"It... is a little troubling, isn't it? I thought painters needed their models to sit for them for hours, yet she's painted us... very well..."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"The masterful skill of the Kakita in action."

Choudai's tone was drier than the Burning Sands.

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

"The masterful skill of the Kakita in action."

Choudai's tone was drier than the Burning Sands.

Hatsuki took a sip of her tea and raised a hand to her mouth, quietly clearing her throat. Technically she was getting caught in the crossfire here.

[Shosuro Otoko]

Hatsuki took a sip of her tea and raised a hand to her mouth, quietly clearing her throat. Technically she was getting caught in the crossfire here.

Otoko shot a questioning glance over to the throat-clearing Hatsuki, her own tea very much untouched.